Wednesday, August 4, 2010

PFLAG Celebrates CA Decision!

From Jody M. Huckaby, Executive Director, PFLAG National:

Today, PFLAG National is celebrating the ruling of Judge Vaughn Walker that California’s Proposition 8, is unconstitutional. This decision – the conclusions of the court – validate that not only did the ballot measure violate the rights of equal protection and due process, but it specifically sent a message that opposite-sex marriages were superior to same-sex ones.

We know that simply isn’t true, and we know that in a nation based on liberty and justice for all, that this must be the case – liberty and justice for all.

PFLAG members know how important marriage can be for committed couples and for those raising children. Marriage is a commitment made between two people who love one another and who commit to the obligations that come with and the benefits that spring from contract of marriage. We know that when committed couples are in relationships that are honored through marriage and protected by civil law, families are stronger and communities are healthier.

For all of our gay family members, our friends and our colleagues who were married in California in 2008, and for the tens of thousands who want to commit themselves to their partners in marriage, all of us at PFLAG celebrate today’s ruling. We also extend our gratitude to the legal team who led this charge, and the countless people everywhere who have told their stories of love and commitment to transform hearts and minds on this very simple issue of justice.

Today, as I think about what has happened, I find a quote that sums up today from an unlikely source – Andy Warhol. He once said that, ““They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” Today’s win happened because of the work that you are doing in your communities everywhere. Let’s all use Judge Walker’s decision in favor of fairness for all gay couples in California to further inspires us to redouble our efforts to tell our personal stories, to encourage our allies and colleagues to stand up with us, and to help change hearts and minds until full equality is achieved for all of our LGBT loved ones.